Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Half a million copies of a new children 's book by President Barack Obama hit the shelves Tuesday .

First daughters Sasha and Malia inspired the president to write `` Of Thee I Sing : A Letter to My Daughters , '' publisher Random House said .

The publisher describes Obama 's latest book as `` a moving tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation -- from the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe , to the courage of Jackie Robinson , to the patriotism of George Washington . ''

The manuscript was completed before Obama took office in 2009 , Random House said in a statement released in September .

The book `` celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans -- the potential to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths , '' said Chip Gibson , head of the publisher 's children 's books division .

Proceeds from the book , which has a suggested retail price of $ 17.99 , will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation for a scholarship fund for children of fallen and disabled soldiers .

The book includes illustrations by artist Loren Long , who also illustrated Madonna 's 2003 children 's book , `` Mr. Peabody 's Apples . ''

`` Fisher House Foundation is honored to be chosen as the recipient of the author 's proceeds from President Obama 's book ` Of Thee I Sing : A Letter to My Daughters , ' '' said foundation chairman Ken Fisher .

The cover illustration shows Sasha and Malia walking across a green lawn with their pet dog , Bo .

Obama also wrote the international best-sellers `` Dreams from My Father '' and `` The Audacity of Hope . ''

He is n't the only White House resident to enter the children 's book world .

In 2008 , HarperCollins released `` Read All About It ! '' a book penned by former first lady Laura Bush and first daughter Jenna Bush .

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The book celebrates 13 `` groundbreaking '' Americans

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Random House says the manuscript was completed before the president took office

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The first run of the book will include 500,000 copies

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Proceeds will be donated to the children of fallen and disabled soldiers